Thomas Richard Phillips

Thomas R. "Buzz" Phillips, 84, died on January 3, 2025 at Tampa General Hospital in Crystal River, FL. He was born into this life on October 10, 1940 in Jacksonville, FL and was the son of the late Edward Lee and Katie Bell (Word) Phillips. Buzz was raised in Wildwood, FL and moved to Dunnellon in 1998 from Fruitland Park, FL. When Buzz graduated from High School, he enlisted in the military with the United State Navy. He was stationed in Rota Spain, and it was there that he met his beloved wife, Margaret. They married in 1962. Upon returning home to the Wildwood/Leesburg area from the military, Buzz worked for several years before meeting Jerry Myers, who owned and operated Myers Vending Company and soon after, Buzz went into business with him. Thomas was an avid fisherman, woodworker and gardener, who enjoyed the outdoors.

He is preceded in death by his son Gregory Phillips.

He was survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Phillips, and now they are together again after she died two days later, on January 5, 2025.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Denise Vogelgesang (Tom), Monticello, FL; his brother, Michael Phillips (Susie), Dunnellon, FL; his sisters, Gay Crenshaw (Gilbert), Wildwood, FL, Katren Higgs (Wally), Buena Vista, GA; his grandchildren, Danyale Weems, Carrollton, GA, Emily Vogelgesang (Jordan Lewis), Charleston, SC; his great grandchildren, Kile Weems (Kyleigh), Carrollton, GA, Koree Weems, Carrollton, GA and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Holy Faith Episcopal Church, 19924 W. Blue Cove Drive, Dunnellon, FL 34432.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Holy Faith Episcopal Church or the non-profit of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy can be left online at robertsofdunnellon.com

Arrangements are under the careful direction of Roberts Funeral Home, 19939 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon, FL 34432.